Each of the following passages has some blank spaces with four words or groups of words given. Select whichever word or group of words you consider most appropriate for the blank space.
**Comprehension-II**
Ecology, in a very simple term, is a science that ___(104)___ the interdependent, mutually reactive and interconnected relationships ___(105)___ the organisms and ___(106)___ physical environment on the one hand and among the organisms on the other hand. ___(107)___ term 'ecology' was first coined and used by the German biologist Ernst Haeckel in 1869, a few conceptual terms ___(108)___ already proposed to reveal relationships ___(109)___ organisms and their environment. For example, French zoologist I. G. Hilaire used the term 'ethology' ___(110)___ the study of the relations of ___(111)___ organisms within the family and society in the aggregate and in the community. British naturalist St. George Jackson Mivart proposed the term 'hexicology' with regard to the study of the relations ___(112)___ living creatures other their environment regards the nature of the locality they frequent, the temperatures and the ___(113)___ of light which suit them, and their relations to other organisms as enemies, rivals, or accidental and involuntary benefactors.
Blank (107): ___ term 'ecology' was first coined and used by the German biologist Ernst Haeckel in 1869...
- AThrough
- BIn spite of
- CThough
- DBecause
Explanation
The clause concedes a contrast: although "ecology" was coined in 1869, similar terms had already been proposed — the concessive "though" fits. "Through" and "because" do not express concession, and "in spite of" needs a noun phrase, not a clause. Hence (C).